Children and Screen Time

In today’s high tech and busy world, it’s a challenge to limit children’s total media time. There is constant exposure to TV, computer and video games. It looked like a challenge to have my 7 year old away from the screen without him beginning to hate me. I encouraged more interactive activities such as promoting playing and reading together and alternative entertainment like athletics, hobbies, and creative play. Due to time constraints, TV, computer and video games were virtual baby sitters. When I couldn’t find my phone, it meant that someone must be playing “Angry Birds” and would have carelessly left it around.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that “kids under 2 years old not watch any TV and that those older than 2 watch no more than 1 to 2 hours a day of quality programming”. Most programs should be informational, educational, and nonviolent and the shows children and adolescents are viewing should be monitored.

Over a year ago, results of comprehensive poll by Kaiser Family Foundation showed that parental involvement could improve how media affects kids’ lives. I would like to share what is beginning to work out for us.

1. Setting time limits – Setting limits on usage of TV, computer and video games. A new study has found that children whose parents set consistent rules about television use were less likely to exceed recommended screen time limits. For us, TV/computer stay off on school days.
2. Make them earn it - On weekends and holidays, there is a time limit set and he is made to earn more time by his super behavior and hard work performed.
3. Provide Alternatives - Alternatives have been provided. Weekday activities include karate, swimming and guitar lessons. Weekend activities include ice-skating, baseball, skateboarding and at home he is teaching me guitar and playing board games – chess, operations and his other favorites.
4. Be a good role model – TV/Computer are off for until he falls asleep and if I am still awake!!

The best one out of all these is free-time activity like reading, playing with friends, and sports, which will play an important and vital role in helping kids, develop a healthy body and mind. It helps in brain development, development of social skills and problem solving skills. Even though, television and computers in moderation can be a good thing. Not only for entertainment, but these media devices can be used as an excellent educator as well. Preschoolers can learn alphabets and grade schoolers can be exposed to science and nature shows. Too much and wrong usage of these can be detrimental. It discourages reading and exercising. Problems range from getting lower grades in school, developing violent and aggressive behavior and getting overweight. As parents we expect to preserve family values in a media driven society. We can help them select right programs to watch and use TV/computer as a useful teaching tool.

AAP also recommends to “Keep TV sets, VCRs, video games and computers out of children’s bedrooms” This might help in controlling the dramatically rising media usage by children and teens.

It was very surprising when one evening my 7 year old said, “Mamma, I want to open a face book account.” Excuse me! Even I don’t have enough time for one, and at Age 7, where does this come from?